[MISSION 2024] RTM(Revision through MCQs)- 25 November 2023

Ans: (a)

Explanation

• Only statement 2 is correct.
• S1: is an inter-governmental forum for 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
• S3: The heads of government of all APEC members except Taiwan (which is represented by a ministerial-level official as economic leader) attend an annual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/25/india-apec-relations-why-india-must-engage-with-apec/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Option A: This statement is incorrect. APEC is not a political or military alliance; rather, it is a forum for economic cooperation and trade.
• Option B:This statement is correct. APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is a regional economic forum comprising 21 member economies from the Asia-Pacific region. Its primary purpose is to promote and facilitate economic cooperation, trade, and investment among its members.
• Option C:This statement is incorrect. APEC was not established as a military alliance. It is primarily focused on economic and trade issues.
• Option D: This statement is incorrect. APEC includes countries from both the Asia-Pacific region and North America. Member economies include the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Australia, and others.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/25/india-apec-relations-why-india-must-engage-with-apec/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/25/kambala-2/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Context: Kolkali, performed by the mothers’ grouping of the Thrissur Archdiocese in remembrance of St. Thomas’ arrival in India.
• Origin: Kolkali is a traditional folk art form performed in the Malabar region of Kerala. Also, Known as Thattinmelkali when performed on wooden stages.
• Performance Style: The dance involves moving in a circle, striking small sticks, and maintaining rhythm with special steps. The circle expands and contracts as the dance progresses.
• Cultural Significance: Popular in the Kerala School Kalolsavam, considered the biggest cultural event in Asia.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/25/kolkali/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: The Prime Minister has initiated the formation of a committee to address the long-standing demand for sub-categorization of the Madiga community within the Scheduled Castes, just days before the Telangana Assembly election.
• Article 341 of the Constitution provides certain privileges and concessions to the members of Scheduled Castes.
• Under the provision of Article 341, the first list of SCs in relation to a state/UT is to be issued by a notified Order of the President after consulting concerned state Government.
• But the clause (2) of Article 341 envisages that, any subsequent inclusion in or exclusion from the list of Scheduled Castes can be effected through an Act of Parliament.
• Parliament alone is vested with the power to include or exclude any entry in the SC list under Article 341 of the Constitution.
• Statement 3: Reservation is there only in the Lok Sabha.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/25/madiga-community/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Context: The Investor Risk Reduction Access (IRRA) platform has been jointly developed by major stock exchanges in India, including BSE, NSE, NCDEX, MCX, and MSE.
• About Investor Risk Reduction Access (IRRA) is a platform that acts as a safety net for investors in the event of technical glitches at a trading member’s end, allowing them to close open positions and cancel pending orders during disruptions.
• Purpose: The platform is designed to mitigate risks associated with trading interruptions and is available for internet-based and wireless technology-supported trading
• Availability: It is available to trading members supporting internet-based trading and security trading through wireless technology for their investors.
• Development Jointly developed by all major stock exchanges in India – BSE, NSE, NCDEX, MCX, and Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India.
• Launch Authority Launched by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
• Invocation Process Trading members can invoke IRRA during technical glitches at their end across exchanges from both the primary and disaster recovery sites. Stock exchanges can also initiate it suo moto.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/25/investor-risk-reduction-access-irra-platform/

Ans: (c )

Explanation:

• Context: NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, en route to a metal-rich asteroid, is pioneering Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) using near-infrared laser signals for high-bandwidth communication.
• What is Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC) and how it is different from traditional radio wave communication?
• Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC) is a pioneering technology used in space communication that utilizes near-infrared laser signals instead of traditional radio waves. Unlike radio waves, DSOC enables higher bandwidths, allowing for data rates at least 10 times higher than current radio systems.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/25/nasas-psyche-spacecraft/

Ans: (b)

Explanation:

• Chebrolu, a town in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh is recognized for its rich history, culture, and heritage. Referred to as the “land of temples,” Chebrolu bears the imprints of various dynasties, including the Eastern Chalukya, Velanati Choda, Kakatiya, Pota Rajulu, and Paristchedi, spanning centuries.
• The town is home to over 100 small and large temples, with some dating back to the 9th to 12th centuries A.D. Notable among them are the Chaturmukha Brahmeswara, Bhimeswara, Adikesava, and Nageswara temples.
• The Chaturmukha Brahmeswara temple, situated in the middle of a pond, is unique for having a Sivalinga and the four faces of Lord Brahma. The Bhimeswara temple, built by the Eastern Chalukyan King Chalukya Bhima, stands out with its two floors and distinctive design.
• Previously in 2019, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had uncovered South India’s earliest Sanskrit inscription at Chebrolu, a significant discovery providing the earliest epigraphic evidence for the Saptamatrika cult, worshiping seven female deities representing the energy of their consorts in Hinduism.

Refer: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/11/25/chebrolu-guntur-district-of-andhra-pradesh/

Ans: (c)

Explanation:

• India is the member of all the Organizations.
• The SCO grouping now comprises China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
• Missile Technology Control Regime: Following the conclusion of a “deal” with Italy, India was admitted as a full member of the MTCR on June 27. This is India’s first time participating in a multilateral export control regime.
• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: On 24 October 2014, twenty-one countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the AIIB in Beijing, China: Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2022

Ans: (a)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Coal Controller has been made the statistical authority with respect to coal and lignite statistics. Entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out Annual Coal & Lignite survey and publishing of Provisional Coal Statistics and Coal Directory of India.
• Statement 2 is correct: Functioning of the Coal Controller’s Organisation (CCO)is entrusted with the task of monitoring captive mines.
• Statement 3 is correct: Coal Controller is the competent authority under this act to hear any objection to the Central Government’s Notification relating to acquisition of coal bearing land and to furnish his reports to Central Govt.

Refer: UPSC CSE 2022